Aquarium Careers

Perhaps the most appropriate author to pen such a title, Jay Hemdal has "walked the walk" of pet-fishing… as an accomplished hobbyist, industry worker (retail clerk to the wholesale livestock end), writer and public aquarium employee. Here is a timely work on all aspects of "making money" in the fields of ornamental aquatics, told in a straightforward, complete, honest manner; drawing on Jay’s definitions and examples of "job, occupation, career"… calling on the reader to consider well the differences in these "life choice" descriptions. Do you know someone who’s interested in aquaristics as more than diversion? This small book is a must for them, or you. Contents: Chapter 1 describes Jay’s take on the importance of education (formal, academic and not concerning preparation and involvement in the field. All are advised to actively seek educational depth and breadth in early grades on through college, and consider minoring in aspects of business itself. A handy table of Universities offering aquatic science graduate degrees is offered. Involvement in "extra-curricular activities" (computers, art, boating, horticulture, diving, photography) are discussed and encouraged. Chapter 2 covers private sector jobs; working in retail shops and wholesale in various positions, the service end, possibilities in manufacturing, distribution, collecting, breeding, publishing, consulting. As in the rest of the book, Jay shows good humor and personal insight as to what the trade is like. Chapter 3 goes over the myriad of public aquarium jobs, including an exemplary effort at describing the various hierarchies of jobs, titles to be found in various organizations, respective possible jobs per position and a graphic example of "relative annual salary ranges for various aquarium professionals", and a personal glimpse as to what one of his days schedule looks like as Curator in Toledo. Other Jobs for Aquarists comprises Chapter 4. This vast arena encompasses government and private sector fish hatcheries, doing field and laboratory work, stints in "Science Museums" (yes, some have live aquatics displays), even the entertainment businesses (e.g. casinos, thematic restaurants, television/movie sets). Chapter 5 does a good job of going over the miscellanea of "part time careers" involving aquariums. You might well try your hand at "supporting your habit pet-fish habit" by breeding/selling aquatic life, writing, making images, even writing software or helping make "fishy" websites. As long as these are true "for profit" ventures you may well be right to seek tax relief as a small business owner. Volunteering at public aquariums is given mention here as well… if it were not for such huge contributions from the general public few aquariums would exist (none that I know of). Chapter 7, Related Topics is where the author really shines. All aquarists should have a thorough, state-able "understanding" of "what they’re about" in the hobby (as with their very lives). Here is presented "grist for the mill" for your philosophy on public and private aquariums, ethos, a checklist of sorts for aquarium problem-solving and a host of posited exhibit design challenges. Lastly issues of professional associations in the field of public work and safety issues are discussed. Finishing Materials include a description of Jay’s background, a sample resume with notes on how to make your own, conduct an interview…), an annotated appendix of public aquariums, a very useful interpretation of acronyms and pertinent references. My Exceptions, Suggested Changes: While I agree or am confluent with ninety some percent of what is presented here I want to do a service to the readers of this small review and the author in offering my "dos centavos" for the works improvement. Firstly, there are a few dozen misspellings and grammatical errors to be found here. A thorough reading by a competent editor would/will disclose these (I will send my marked-up copy along). Most regrettable is the egregious mis-use of the term "fish" for more than one species of fish (fishes). Whereas I am in total agreement with the authors stress on the importance of mathematics and science education, I am aggrieved at the dismissive attitude toward "grades". There are times and places where "grade inflation" and overemphasis is placed on such evaluation. Nonetheless, learning the material in "the real world" is tantamount to "achieving the grades" in many instances. Students should be encouraged to both excel in school and receive high marks for doing so. I find the authors appraisal of the potential for income in "Aquarium Maintenance Services" too denigrating. There are some five hundred such businesses listed in the Los Angeles area Yellow Pages alone. I have friends who make (net) more than six figures a year doing aquarium installs and ongoing upkeep. This part of our trade has become a huge segment. I agree with Jay in it being an easy part of the trade to join (low investment, possible downside). I am sure the statement on page 27, "All new exhibits must be designed with the interests of the visitors foremost in mind" is a lapse of reason… certainly, the foremost concern of a captive environment is the welfare of its livestock. The statement that a person’s chances are greater of being elected as a U.S. Representative than working with dolphins is incorrect (p.34). There are several thousands of such jobs worldwide. (hundreds alone in Cancun and Cozumel Mexico). I am surprised at the lack of internet resources, referral offered in this book. To wit, the several public aquariums listed in Appendix 2, the various professional associations… FishBase.org… Jay, where are their URLs? All in All: For its brevity, insight, slight cost this is an excellent resource for actually all "serious" aquarists, whether they intend/devise to make their hobby more than such. Here is presented one persons odyssey (thus far) in many aspects of "the business" of pet-fishing. If you yourself or someone you know is considering a paying position in the fields of ornamental aquatics invest your time and money well in procuring and critically reading this short book. Jay’s Book, Aquarium Careers may be purchased on line from the publisher, http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore and through special order from Barnes and Noble or online from Amazon.com

julesangel posted a reply:

hi guys...
since you all wrote that....

ive cycled water, tested ph again ..tried nearly everthing you al suggested(thanks by the way)

Ive been still to scared...to get more fish.

Checklist of Items For Getting Started
To help you get started with your new tank, here is a checklist of parts, components and supplies that are needed for a basic saltwater aquarium set up, as well....

alot of questions......
Forum: Newbies to Reefing Posted By: zippyjr123 Post Time: August 28th, 2006 at 10:37 PM.